The German government has introduced a new process for student visa applications in Nigeria, directing all submissions to a dedicated visa application centre in Lagos.
In an official announcement, the German Embassy stated that prospective students will no longer submit their applications at the consulate.
Instead, applicants will complete an online registration and, upon securing an appointment, be invited to a visa application centre managed by VFS Global in Lekki.
“This means that you will be invited to the centre, not the consulate, when an appointment is assigned to you after registering online,” the embassy said.
According to the embassy, the new arrangement took effect on March 25, 2026, and is expected to improve the efficiency of the visa process for Nigerian students seeking admission into German institutions.
Officials noted that the Lagos centre will handle document submission, biometric data capture, and other administrative procedures on behalf of German diplomatic missions.
Applicants were also advised to consult the VFS Global website for detailed guidelines on the updated process.
Speaking at the launch, representatives of the German mission expressed optimism that the move would streamline operations and reduce delays associated with visa applications.
Germany has continued to attract a growing number of international students. Recent data indicates that universities in the country recorded about 402,000 foreign students in the 2024/2025 winter semester, reflecting a steady increase in global academic interest.
